Naledi Theatre Awards brings in young judges

The judges who will adjudicate the 2019 Naledi Theatre Awards.
Picture: Supplied

In recognition of an ever-growing industry, the awards is expanding its panels and demographics.

Over the years, the Naledi Theatre Awards has grown big enough to have its own telecast but from the inside, there’s been many claims of nepotism.

Some actors and producers have anonymously said certain productions, actors and producers get snubbed when it comes to the awards and the judging process. Though unconfirmed, this year there is room to see those accusations being lessened, considering a restructuring in the way judging takes place.

Yesterday, the Naledi Theatre Awards announced how different the process will be and also announced Joburg Theatre as the venue for this year’s ceremony.

The theatre is set to host the awards for the next three years, following a Tsogo Sun sponsorship. The big change, however, is the new board of directors and almost 50 new, young judges.

The restructuring includes Kgomotso Christopher as the new chairperson of the awards.

Awards chief executive Dawn Lindberg says: “Over 100 professional shows are produced and staged throughout Gauteng each year. In recognition of an ever-growing theatre industry and our commitment to keep up with this growth, we’re expanding our panels and demographics.

“We have therefore created six new panels of judges specialising in each of the following genres: mainstream plays; mainstream musicals; theatre for children; dance and physical theatre; independent and fringe theatre; and student or incubator programmes featuring nonprofessional artists.”